Idle little hands

My baby's reached the age when she considers a pause for a diaper change a huge affront. She rolls, complains, and tries to scamper away, bare bottomed. It's almost cute ... almost.

My latest trick: books. I used to hand her a small stuffed cat to hold while I changed her business end. But her busy little fingers weren't satisfied. A book gives her pages to turn and something to look at.

My son, who is three years older, also lacks a full stack of patience. He's a little harder to entertain, but during car rides or waits in the grocery store line, a book or even a game—I use a preschool adventure match game on my iPod—usually does the trick. Best part: Fewer battles over the little stuff.